08/08/2026
๐๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐๐, ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐: ๐๐ณ๐ฎ ๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐
TRINIDAD, BOHOL โ Laughter, warm smiles, and meaningful conversations filled the Village of Hope in Trinidad, Bohol, as the Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association (TCY) visited the orphanage on July 26, 2026, together with two staff volunteers.
The visit brought 13 Tzu Chi youths closer to the children through games, creative activities, storytelling, and heartfelt exchanges. The program began with the emcee getting to know the children and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Mark Boiser, a Tzu Chi staff volunteer, emphasized that the visitation is part of the Tzu Chi Youth's quarterly community outreach activities. โThis isnโt just a normal activity. We are doing this to learn and share hope. We know we can learn something from you, and you can learn also from us.โ He added that activities such as the visitation provide an avenue for the youths to recognize their blessings and understand the importance of having a compassionate heart especially in a world that needs more people willing to care and serve others.
The 13 Tzu Chi youths introduced themselves and presented a sign language performance entitled โWith You By My Side.โ The performance served as a heartfelt message and a reminder to the children that they have Ates and Kuyas outside the orphanage who are willing to stand by them, share in their happiness, and create meaningful memories with them. The children soon joined dancing along with the youths as the room filled with excitement.
For Reniel Magdayo, the experience became more than simply a visit. โAs I visited the orphanage in Trinidad, they welcomed us with their warm smiles. I was truly happy to see their cutest and most genuine smiles. This experience may be just a visit to others, but for me, it was a lesson that I will carry on how I practice humility, compassion, and gratitude.โ
Following the opening activities, the children were divided into groups according to age, with the youths preparing activities for each group. The toddlers participated in a coloring activity featuring different animals. Meanwhile, the grade school children listened to JingSi stories centered on environmental protection. After the storytelling session, they engaged in conversations about simple ways they could protect the environment and care for nature. For the high school students, the youths facilitated โHello, Future Self,โ an activity that encouraged them to envision the people they hope to become. They drew their future selves and illustrated their career aspirations before sharing their dreams and the reasons behind their chosen paths. Through these activities, the children were given an opportunity to express themselves, explore their aspirations, learn values, and build connections with the visiting youths.
For Princess Celades, a BS Agriculture student experiencing an orphanage visitation for the first time, the experience taught her the importance of simply being present for others. โAs the activity went on, I gained the courage to initiate conversations with the children, and seeing their grateful smiles filled my heart with so much joy. I sincerely hope that one day all of their dreams will come true.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the visitation came through the activity โI'm Grateful to Youโฆโ The children were asked to write a message of gratitude to someone they appreciated. After writing their letters, they gave them to the people they had written them for and shared a hug. The simple activity created a touching atmosphere as the children remembered the people who had shown them love, care, and kindness. For Beah Jezelerie Dulalas, the activity became unexpectedly personal when she received a gratitude letter from one of the children. โWhen I received that letter, I felt truly happy and deeply touched. It meant so much to know that she appreciated the drawing I made for her. Her thank-you message made me realize that even a simple gesture can leave a meaningful impact on someone.โ
The experience also reminded Angel Dianne Dacoylo, a fourth-year BS Computer Science student, to appreciate the blessings in her own life. โAs someone who loves kids, I enjoy spending time with them. Their smiles and happiness made my day. This experience made me realize how fortunate I am to have my parents, who continuously shower me with love and care. Even though some of the children no longer have their parents, I am grateful that the Village of Hope provides them with love, care, and a safe place where they can grow and feel valued.โ
As the day drew to a close, the room was once again filled with warmth as the children took part in a reflection session and shared what they felt about the dayโs experience. One of the children expressed gratitude for the Tzu Chi Foundationโs visit, sharing how happy he was to participate in the activities and spend time with the youths. He said he would cherish the time they spent together and treasure the memories they created.
The Village of Hope Director, also expressed her gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation for returning to the orphanage despite its distance from Tagbilaran City. She also expressed her hope that the youths would return and visit the children again in the future.
Joshua Barbacina, TCY Head, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Village of Hope for welcoming the youths and allowing them to spend time with the children. He also thanked the Tzu Chi Foundation for providing the opportunity to serve and all the Tzu Chi youths who willingly gave their time despite their busy schedules.
The visitation concluded with everyone sharing snacks together, a simple ending to a day filled with laughter, gratitude, and meaningful connections. As the youths left the Village of Hope, they carried with them more than memories of the dayโthey carried the children's smiles, dreams, and stories as reminders of why there is always a reason to choose kindness and continue sharing hope.
via Vanissa Salamanca
